What is a REALTOR?
A REALTOR is a real estate professional who holds membership with the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and uses the trademarked REALTOR designation, going beyond provincial licensing requirements to follow CREA's code of ethics and standards.
REALTOR is a trademarked designation owned by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), not a generic title for anyone selling real estate in Ontario. While a licensed real estate agent or broker in Ontario requires registration with Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO), a REALTOR must also hold active membership with CREA or one of its member boards.
The distinction matters because CREA membership comes with additional obligations beyond provincial licensing. Members agree to follow CREA's Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, which set expectations for professionalism, honesty, and client handling. These requirements typically exceed baseline provincial regulatory minimums. REALTOR designation also provides access to CREA-run tools like the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is central to how properties reach the market and how agents access listing data across Ontario regions.
Not all licensed real estate professionals in Ontario use the REALTOR designation. Some agents or brokers may choose not to join CREA or may operate under different structures. When looking for an agent, the REALTOR badge indicates membership in a national association with a published code of conduct, though it does not guarantee performance or outcome. You can verify REALTOR status through CREA or through Ontario's real estate boards. When searching for residential sales agents, you may encounter both REALTOR members and licensed agents who are not CREA members.